The seller transformed the prewar loft into a gallery space for fledgling artists

Patrick Orban often jetted between London and New York in the late 90s in search of a loft in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.

Attracted to the area’s thriving art scene—which catapulted to prominence in the 80s thanks to artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat—Orban sought a raw space that he could transform into a residence where he could showcase the work of up-and-coming artists.

“I was flying round-trip every weekend to look at listings,” the banking executive said. He eventually found this prewar loft, perched on the top floor of a six-story building on Crosby Street. The building is now a co-op. “The east side [of Soho] wasn’t really developed,” Orban said. “There was no Balthazar, no Starbucks.”

Although the space was hardly habitable, Orban moved in and began renovating. In the roughly 20 years since he bought the home, Orban has remodeled it three times. The most recent renovation wrapped in 2010, after he built the second level and a sprawling rooftop terrace, which features a plant-irrigation system and 360-degree views of the city.

The Stats

The 2,700-square-foot apartment has two bedrooms and three full bathrooms. There’s an additional 1,950 square feet of outdoor space spread across three levels.

Design Pedigree

The penthouse combines the characteristics of a loft with the sleek interiors found in glassy towers on Billionaires’ Row. Inspired by Japanese design, Orban wanted the main level to resemble a quintessential SoHo loft. He built the second floor to embrace the elements of indoor/outdoor living seen in California homes.

“It’s a space of gentle contradictions and that makes it unique,” said listing agent Rob Gross of Douglas Elliman, who also represented Orban when he purchased the property.

Talking Points

During the first renovation, Orban slept in a plastic tent for six months—one that he was forced to vacuum every night due to construction debris.

Orban also hosted a number of events at the home, where he displayed the work of emerging artists. The last event took place about a year ago.

The art aficionado is selling the penthouse because he’s looking for his next design project, potentially in East Williamsburg or Bushwick. “He’s a designer and an artist who happens to be a banker,” Gross said.